"Excellent! Junior brother!" Lin Li exclaimed.
Having overcome her initial fear, Lin Li gradually regained her composure. She thought to herself, having come this far, it would be foolish not to continue onward!
Accompanied by Jian Yumei, they followed the lead of the cobras and slowly made their way into the cave.
As they ventured deeper into the cave, they noticed an inexplicable illumination along the path. Although no visible source of light was apparent, Jian Yumei observed beams radiating from large pearls embedded in the ceiling. The abundance of these luminescent orbs left Jian Yumei in awe.
Eventually, they reached a grand hall, where Zhu Houzhao and Lin Li suddenly caught sight of the figure seated within.
Seated atop a platform in the cave hall, the figure sat cross-legged, in the classic meditative pose.
At the sight of the figure, both Jian Yumei and Lin Li were taken aback.
"Greetings, senior. We have come here out of curiosity and hope you will pardon our intrusion," Jian Yumei addressed the figure.
However, despite the passage of time, the figure remained unresponsive.
Approaching cautiously, Jian Yumei examined the figure closely. Although the figure's eyes seemed fixed ahead, they no longer exhibited any sign of movement.
Jian Yumei wondered if the person had passed away.
Upon closer observation, Jian Yumei became convinced that the figure was indeed deceased. While practitioners often assumed a stillness akin to death during meditation, this individual's demeanor suggested otherwise.
At that moment, the two Eye King Snakes emitted a mournful hiss, indicating their sorrow.
Jian Yumei concluded that the figure had indeed passed away.
Noticing a sealed letter in front of the figure, Jian Yumei approached and delicately examined its cover. It bore the inscription, "To those destined, please open."
Taking the letter in hand, Jian Yumei read its contents: "Those destined shall bow before me three hundred times upon the cushion before me, for I have words to impart."
Jian Yumei glanced at the figure, noting their dignified presence despite their passing. It seemed that this individual had spent considerable time within this cave, yet Jian Yumei wondered why they had never encountered this person before. Perhaps they never ventured outside.
Recalling his master's teachings about the abundance of reclusive sages within Mount Zhongnan, Jian Yumei reminded himself not to be overly astonished. These sages rarely revealed themselves to ordinary folk, except under exceptional circumstances.
Turning to Lin Li, Jian Yumei said, "Senior sister, it's your turn."
Observing the venerable figure, Lin Li approached and respectfully knelt before them, performing three bows.
"Junior brother, it's your turn now. Such opportunities are usually bestowed upon men," Lin Li urged.
"Very well, I shall proceed," Jian Yumei consented.
Commencing the ritual, Jian Yumei approached the cushion and began the series of bows. As he continued, his count became lost in the repetition, yet he persevered, knowing that such acts held significance.
By the time Jian Yumei had performed over two hundred bows, the cushion had already begun to show signs of wear. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast in his devotion. Upon surpassing the three hundred mark, the cushion finally gave way, revealing a hidden compartment within. Deep inside, another letter awaited.
Retrieving the first letter, Jian Yumei read its contents: "In gratitude for your homage, please find within a sum of silver within the wooden crate at the corner of the cave. Take what you need."
Moving on to the second letter, Jian Yumei discovered further instructions: "For completing the three hundred bows, I bestow upon you a tome of secrets. Beneath my meditation seat lies a manuscript for you to peruse. Take it and study it diligently, for it is meant for the deserving. Heed the warnings therein and follow its guidance."
Jian Yumei turned to Lin Li and said, "Senior sister, this is your destiny. You shall receive all that you are meant to."
Reading the letter, Jian Yumei realized the sage's wisdom. It seemed that only those with sincere intentions would be rewarded. If the sage encountered a worthy individual, they bestowed the secrets willingly.
The tome must hold great importance, otherwise, the sage would not have placed such emphasis on it. Jian Yumei pondered whether he was indeed the intended recipient, feeling a mix of apprehension and anticipation.
Approaching the sage once more, Jian Yumei bowed respectfully before delving into the concealed compartment below the meditation seat. Inside, he discovered a thick tome, handwritten in a delicate script.
Examining the title of the book, "Records of Tomb-Robbing," authored by the Southern Sea Sage, Jian Yumei couldn't help but wonder about the identity of this mysterious sage.
"Southern Sea Sage, who is this person? Is this their actual name?" Jian Yumei inquired of Lin Li.
"It seems so. I recall hearing my master mention this name when speaking of eminent tomb raiders of the past," Lin Li replied.
"Yes, truly a remarkable individual," Jian Yumei remarked.
"Yes, a legend in their own right. Wandering the world, plundering tombs, yet viewing wealth as fleeting. Often bestowing fortune upon the needy, they were revered by many," Lin Li said.
"Ah, the Southern Sea Sage!" Jian Yumei remarked as the two Eye King Snakes emitted their characteristic hiss, observing him intently.
No longer afraid, Jian Yumei smiled at the serpents. Though Lin Li still harbored some fear, she gradually grew bolder, casting her gaze upon them as well.
Flipping open the tome, "Records of Tomb-Robbing," Jian Yumei was drawn into the enigmatic world of the Southern Sea Sage.
In the preface, the Southern Sea Sage wrote: "To those destined to read: From humble beginnings, I was fortunate to receive instruction in martial arts from my sect. With extraordinary skills at my disposal, I inadvertently delved into the realm of tomb raiding, driven by curiosity. Throughout my life, I encountered countless treasures, yet I dispersed them all for the sake of aiding the less fortunate! Wealth, to me, was but dust. I witnessed the passing of countless kings and generals, their treasures left behind, yet none could save them from death's embrace! Thus, I realized the futility of eternal life. Life spans a mere hundred years, and its worth lies in bringing fortune to others. It brings me joy to leave a legacy behind, yet it pains me that all I know shall soon be lost to time. Thus, I entrust it to those destined to inherit. Should you pass my tests, you prove yourself not avaricious, but rather, benevolent. May you follow in our footsteps, regarding wealth as worthless, and dedicating yourself to aiding others. Thus, shall you be deemed a true man of valor!"
With each word he read, Jian Yumei's admiration for the Southern Sea Sage grew.
Continuing through the book, Jian Yumei was immersed in the mysterious world of the Southern Sea Sage. Chronicling their life, martial prowess, and explorations of ancient tombs, the tome even contained insights into various archaeological sites the sage had yet to unearth.